Shenzhen University (SZU) PhD Admission 2027 for international students is now open for the March 2027 intake. Study for a PhD in Shenzhen, China’s leading tech and innovation city.
Top PhD applicants can win the Liyuan International Scholarship: free tuition plus up to 6,000 CNY per month. Your supervisor also provides a research allowance of at least 12,000 CNY per year.
🏆 Shenzhen University Ranking
Shenzhen University is one of China’s fastest-rising universities. It is located in Shenzhen, home to global tech companies and a hub for research and innovation.
(U.S. News 2027)
(ARWU / Shanghai 2026)
(THE 2027)
(QS 2027)
(Best Chinese Universities 2026)
Rankings change every year. Figures are from the latest published editions as of November 2026.
💰 Shenzhen University PhD Scholarships
🥇 Liyuan International Scholarship
+ full tuition waiver
+ full tuition waiver
+ full tuition waiver
🏛️ Government Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shenzhen Universiade Scholarship (municipal) | 40,000 CNY / year |
| Guangdong Government Outstanding International Student Scholarship (provincial) | 30,000 CNY / year |
📅 Important Dates
⏳ Study Mode & Duration
- Full-time study
- 3–4 years depending on the program (maximum 5 years)
✅ Eligibility for Shenzhen University PhD Admission
- A non-Chinese citizen with a valid foreign passport, in good health, and willing to follow Chinese laws and SZU rules.
- A Master’s degree or above, and under 40 years old.
- Still finishing your Master’s? Apply with an expected graduation certificate, and bring your degree when you enrol.
🗣️ Language Requirements
| Program | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English-taught | An English proficiency certificate (no minimum score stated in the brochure) |
| Chinese-taught | HSK 5, score of at least 180 |
Native Chinese or English speakers may be exempt once SZU approves it. Your certificate must still be valid.
📄 Documents Required
- Master’s degree certificate. If you haven’t graduated yet, submit a pre-graduation certificate showing your expected graduation date.
- Master’s transcripts for all courses.
- Two recommendation letters from professors or associate professors, signed and including the referee’s name and contact details.
- Self-statement of about 1,500 words in English or Chinese, covering your intended major and supervisor, your study and work experience, and your research results.
- Passport information page (valid after 30 June 2027). Your passport details can’t change before registration.
- Passport-size photo.
- Recommendation letter from your potential SZU supervisor (on SZU’s template).
- Language certificate: English proficiency, or HSK 5 (180+).
- Resume from primary school to now.
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form.
- Non-criminal record: the original plus a Chinese translation.
- Bank statement showing at least 30,000 RMB (or equivalent) in your own or your guardian’s name.
- Guangdong Government Scholarship form (only if you are applying for it).
📝 How to Apply (Step by Step)
- Choose your program from the SZU PhD program list for international students (March 2027 intake).
- Contact a potential supervisor from SZU’s supervisor list and ask for a recommendation letter on SZU’s template.
- Pay the application fee (400 RMB / 60 USD) by bank transfer to SZU’s account and keep the payment receipt.
- Register online at lxs.szu.edu.cn.
- Fill in your personal and visa information, upload all documents and the payment receipt, then submit before 30 November 2026.
- Wait for the results in December by email. You may be invited to an online or in-person interview.
💵 Fees (Without a Scholarship)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee (non-refundable) | 400 RMB / 60 USD |
| Tuition – Liberal Arts | 34,000 RMB / year |
| Tuition – Science & Engineering | 40,000 RMB / year |
| Tuition – Medicine / Arts / Physical Education | 52,000 RMB / year |
| Accommodation – Yuehai Campus (single or double room) | 2,400 – 8,000 RMB / semester |
| Accommodation – Lihu Campus (double room) | 750 RMB / semester |
| Insurance (compulsory, bought on registration day) | 800 RMB / year |
Water and electricity are not included in accommodation fees.
🛂 After Admission: Visa & Registration
- Apply for an X1 student visa at the Chinese Embassy with your SZU Admission Notice and JW202 form.
- Within 30 days of arriving in China, change your X1 visa into a Residence Permit. SZU does not accept students on other visa types.
- Register on the exact date in your Admission Notice. Early registration is not accepted.
- Bring your original Master’s degree and language certificate. They are checked again at registration.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Shenzhen University PhD application deadline for March 2027?
30 November 2026. Applications opened on 10 October 2026.
How much is the Liyuan International Scholarship?
Free tuition plus 6,000 CNY/month (First Class), 5,000 CNY/month (Second Class) or 4,000 CNY/month (Third Class).
Do I need a supervisor before applying?
Yes. You must submit a recommendation letter from a potential SZU supervisor.
Is there an application fee?
Yes: 400 RMB or 60 USD, paid by bank transfer before you submit. It is non-refundable.
Do I need a bank statement?
Yes, showing at least 30,000 RMB (or equivalent) in your own or your guardian’s name.
What is the age limit?
Applicants must be under 40 and hold a Master’s degree.
Is IELTS required?
The brochure asks for an “English proficiency certificate” without naming a test or score. IELTS, TOEFL or an English-medium certificate is usually accepted, but confirm with SZU.
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Source: Shenzhen University, Admission Brochure for the Doctoral Program of International Students (March 2027 Intake), published 9 October 2026.